Discovering the role of a Business Development Officer – Land Prospection in solar energy
The primary mission of the Business Development Officer for Ground-Mounted Solar Projects is to build a portfolio of photovoltaic projects by identifying and qualifying potential land, analyzing technical and regulatory feasibility, and negotiating commercial agreements up to securing land rights with the owner. As the first link in the chain, they initiate photovoltaic projects in a defined territory.
What are the daily responsibilities? (non-exhaustive list):
The Business Development Officer is responsible for expanding the company’s client portfolio by investigating and identifying opportunities for solar power plants in their assigned territory. They are actively involved throughout the development phase of photovoltaic projects and interact with various stakeholders to ensure project feasibility. Their daily tasks are dynamic and include:
- Defining and implementing a tailored prospection action plan based on the opportunities and constraints of their territory.
- Identifying land opportunities within their territory (municipalities, private landowners, companies, agricultural operations, etc.), visiting sites, and conducting feasibility analyses (technical and regulatory).
- Analyzing local challenges and organizing community engagement.
- Developing a technical and financial offer adapted to the project, presenting and negotiating it with the landowner.
- Negotiating land control agreements.
- Building and maintaining a network of business introducers.
- Responding to calls for tenders.
- Auditing project acquisition files.
- Developing and managing the company’s local network within their territory.
Responsibilities related to implementing the quality and environmental management system:
- Applying the company’s Quality-Environment Policy and contributing to continuous improvement.
- Communicating and promoting best practices.
- Contributing to achieving defined quality and environmental objectives.
- Enhancing customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Adhering to established processes and procedures.
- Completing quality and environmental records related to their activities.
- Identifying, recording, and addressing non-conformities.
- Participating in waste sorting and environmental protection (e.g., optimizing travel, reducing paper consumption, etc.).
What qualities are required?
As the key link between the company and its clients, the Business Development Officer spends much of their time in the field. To successfully carry out their responsibilities, they must possess several essential skills:
- Rigor and organization.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain lasting relationships.
Solid negotiation abilities. - Excellent communication, dialogue, and listening skills.
- A high degree of autonomy.
- An eco-responsible and environmentally respectful approach to their duties.
Curiosity and a desire to take on challenges are also valuable assets, enabling them to excel in seeking new clients and opportunities for the company.
